ETCETERA

LOSING WEIGHT

2011-10-29T20:57:00.002+08:00

Tasha: Mom, I know the secret to losing weight.

Mom: Tell me.

Tasha: Turn your head to the right. Turn your head to the left. Turn your head to the right and left quickly when people offer you food!

Mom: Cool!

GRANDMOMS

2011-10-24T18:06:00.007+08:00

Both my grandma and Franco's grandma passed away this year. They had a lot of similarities - my Tok We and Franco's Nonna.

They both were very independent, living on their own until very very late in age.

My tok we made mean pisang murtabak and Nonna made doughnuts to die for.

My tok we would always slipped in some money, no matter how little to her great grandchildren and Nonna would do the same. However, Nonna took the meaning of sustainability to a new level when she made us return the white envelope that she used to put the money in so that she can reuse the envelopes for the next handout!

Nonna is the only one whom I know who drank her wine with Sprite. Salute to you Nonna!

I pray that both of them will be rewarded with the garden of paradise for being such a great person who touched so many lives in this world. They certainly have touched mine and they will forever be missed.

CILC ELVES @ DIVALI HOLIDAYS

2011-10-24T17:43:00.006+08:00

The good thing about having only 7 in a class is that I could easily fit half of Tasha's classmates in my living room and that's what we did today. Tasha had Faith, Eznyeta and Balqis over for a project date although I honestly dare not vouch whether they finished the project since I heard a lot more giggling than serious discussion.

After lunch of home made lasagna, the little ladies made scones for tea: Verdict on the taste was only 5/10 but the fun level was 20/10. All in all 25/20 - so kudos to all the little ladies!

The girls' first attempt at making scones

The CICL elves at work! My kitchen was spick and span after that!

The really good looking scones! They just have to work on the dough a bit more!

KNOWLEDGE

2011-10-11T10:22:00.004+08:00

Based on the ceramah by Ustaz Huseein Yee @ 10/10/2011 (Al-Khadeem):

One cannot say to have knowledge until one has learnt about it, understood it and practised it.

PACING YOUR RUN

2011-10-10T13:00:00.001+08:00

1) During training, if you run wearing a HRM, check the % max HRM that is MOST comfortable for you (therefore you are not panting and huffing while running). Generally it should be in the region of 75% of max HRM. During the race, you can wear HRM and keep it to the same % max HRM.

2) During training, if you are not wearing HRM, keep to the pace by feeling (or what I call rhythmic breathing). When you start huffing and puffing, slow down your pace.

3) If you train on a threadmill like I do, the pace is given to you. During the race, it is easy because you can work it out with your watch and the distance marker. If you have been running 10km in one hour, you want to be on the distance marker on the 6th minute +/- 30 seconds (and multiple thereof).

4) If you train outside on the same route, try to identify the distance (I do this by driving the route and clock it on the speedometer). Once you have done the route and have a good idea of the time it takes you, it is just time / distance calculation and use the watch and distance marker combination to set the pace during the run.

5) Some people rely on certain songs on their MP3 player. If they are running right in tempo with them, then they know they are at a certain pace.

6) Don’t get sucked by the mass race start! The only ones who are able to hold the mad start pace are the Kenyans!

Generally, you always run a race at a higher level than the training pace. Due to the combination of the adrenalin, the energy gel and isotonic drinks, you normally can push yourself by about 5 - 10% of the practice pace.

GOOFING AROUND

2011-10-04T15:13:00.002+08:00

One of the many things I missed when Tasha went to CILC was mom and daughter goofing around in between prayer times.

One of my many prayers is for Allah to make easy for both of us to perform solat so that we will be placed amongst the muslimin and muslimah who are true believers in the jannah. Amin.

KOH SAMUI MARATHON 2011

2011-09-20T14:22:00.009+08:00

I went to this marathon with no expectation, mainly because I didn't train hard for it. I would be happy just to finish it under 5 hours but I also know that the competitive side of me would not allow me to run so casually.

So, two days before the run, I brought Tasha and Franco snorkelling and kayaking, instead of reserving my energy. It was a fun filled day and if I had to do it again, I would not do it any other way.

I was lucky in the last two marathons that I didn't get the compartment syndrom, which I normally experienced at the start of the runs. However, not wanting to take any chances, I was very cautious with my speed, trying not to exceed 10km/hour while everybody else shot right pass me in the first 100m!

Despite being cautious about the speed, the pain stabbed in that I had to stop a few times to massage and stretch the shin. The pain persisted but I ran through it, praying that it would go away and it finally did 8 km later!

I caught up with Mohan who was running his 134th marathon at km 11 who warned me of the lonely battle that lie ahead. I didn't really understand what he meant until I turned around the bend and saw miles and miles of uphill road! The only comfort I had was the fact that everything that went up would eventually have to come down, and we finally did after almost 10 km of uphill running!

The last 5 km was tough for me and it didn't help that the drink station didn't have any fruits or food to offer after 30 km mark. Running low on energy, I practically "begged" for some Gatorade from a Thai runner who had the luxury of having a full bottle on him! I thanked him and tried to speed off but my legs were just doing its own thing at its own sweet pace.

I managed to better my PB by 14 minutes, finishing the race at 4:34. And that's not all...the best news is that I came in third in my age category and won my first cash prize money in running - 2850 baht.

ASK TO GET

2011-08-22T10:44:00.004+08:00

Excerpt from Robin Sharma's The Greatness Guide

You will never know if you don’t even try. There is enormous power in asking for what you want. All too often, our internal chatter prevents us from taking the steps needed to get us to our own unique form of greatness. We are kept small from our inner imaginings – so much of which are lies.

The most brilliant of the best, those who live glorious lives that matter, ask like crazy. They understand that it’s a habit that must be polished for it to shine. And the more you do it, the easier it gets (like any skill). So they ask.

For the support and help they need at work.
For the understanding they may seek at home.
For a win they need for their business.
For a better table at their favourite restaurant.
For a better seat at a sold out concert.

And because they ask more, they get more (success always has been a numbers game). Nothing happens until you ask. People are not mind readers. They need to know what’s meaningful to you.

And if you ask nicely, they just might say yes.

CILC SCHOOL UNIFORM

2011-08-20T11:43:00.005+08:00

Drove for an hour to CILC (still trying to figure out the fastest route) yesterday to buy Tasha her school uniforms.

Couldn't believe the bill when everything was totalled up.

RM 640 for school uniforms and that does not include the blazer since the tailor was not there and the leather shoes which we have to purchase outside. With those, the total damage would easily exceed one gran.

At that price, they not only have to continue giving partial scholarship for tuition fees but they may also have to start giving subsidy / interest free payment scheme just for uniforms!

I think I need to look for a second job!

BRUISES AND INJURIES

2011-08-20T11:25:00.007+08:00

Since we have upped the frequency of our game and the length of each session, everyone of us has acquired some form of overuse injury and is now seen with a band around some parts of the anatomy to minimise discomfort while playing and to accelerate the healing process.

Sui Lin has hers around the wrist, mine to nurse my acute tennis elbow, Lee Lee's invisible but has gel in her shoes to minimise strikes on the heels.

Eric, the only male player amongst us, who is also my doubles partner today confessed that although physically he is still in good shape, it is usually his ego that is bruised constantly! Whilst there is a glimpse of hope for us to recover from our injuries, no amount of bands can accelerate the healing of a bruised ego! Sorry Eric....

BRANDS

2011-08-20T11:00:00.001+08:00

I am a very loyal customer once I find the product that matches my need perfectly but I am not loyal to a particular brand:

The following are my favourites (which means the ones that I have the most based on current inventory)

A) Running Shoes - Nike Vomero
B) Running Tops - Nike High Impact and New Balance at a close second
C) Running Shorts - New Balance
D) Tennis Rackets - Prince
E) Tennis Balls - Wilson
F) Tennis Skorts - Yonex
G) Tennis Shoes - Reebok
H) Tennis Tops - Yonex
H) Polo Shirts - Polo Ralph Lauren
I) Jeans - Calvin Klein
J) Gym Wear - Adidas
K) Work Clothes - Iora
L) Golf Clubs - PING
M) Golf Pants - Marks & Spencer
N) Golf Tops - LPGA
O) Smart Pants - Marks & Spencer
P) Golf Shoes - Mizuno
Q) Yoga Pants - Adidas
R) Golf Balls - Srixon
S) Tennis Bags - Prince
T) Sweat Bands - Adidas
U) Tennis Socks - Prince
V) Running Socks - Mitchdowd and Nike
W) Squash Racket - Wilson
X) Handbags - Etienne Aigner
Y) Gym Gloves - Nike
Z) Gym Shorts - American Athletics

TENNIS ELBOW

2011-08-17T10:53:00.004+08:00

I have been plagued by tennis elbow injury (ok....it is not right to call it injury since it is one that is caused by overusage) for the last few months. The pain is unbearable, almost to the point of paralysing and I have lost sleep many a night due to this.

Despite all that, I am still playing tennis 3 days a week - and on 2 of those days, I have morning and evening sessions. So, yes, I spend a lot of hours on the tennis court and the pain mulitplies as the number of hours increase.

Today a MIRACLE happened and I quickly sms Franco to share the good news.

LINI: My tennis elbow pain is gone!

FRANCO: Unlike most people who require rest to heal a tennis elbow, you need to "play through the pain. Further evidence of your
awesomeness!

LINI: I have stopped collecting evidence for my awesomeness. Even the cyber storage can't handle the colossal data!

PACESETTER 15KM RUN

2011-06-06T10:19:00.003+08:00

1.45

1:30

This is the first run after our full marathon (42 km) a month ago.

After collecting the medal upon completion of the race, Franco arrogantly said to me, " I feel like I don't deserve the medal cause it felt like I have not done anything yet!"

In my heart "Action betul la pak cik ni sekarang....."

KELAB GOLF MGC/TKC

2011-05-18T22:30:00.003+08:00

Bagi tahun 2011, Kelab Golf MGC/TKC telah berjaya menganjurkan permainan golf sebulan sekali. Pemain-pemain veteran handalan yang sentiasa menyertai permainan bulanan terdiri daripada Kak Maznah, Kak Majmin, Kak Sabariah @ Kak Lang, Kak Sharifah Maimunah dan adiknya, Sharifah Zawiyah, Khairiyatun Azlina dan Lini Kazim.

Permainan yang dianjurkan telah memberi peluang kepada ahli-ahli bermain di kelab yang berbeza-beza setiap bulan. Antara kelab-kelab yang telah diterokai pada tahun ini ialah Kelab Golf Awana di Genting, Kelab Golf Staffield di Kajang, Kelab Golf Bangi, Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam di Petaling Jaya dan Kelab Golf Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah di Shah Alam. Adalah hasrat ahli-ahli kelab untuk mencuba kesemua kelab-kelab golf di Kuala Lumpur dan Selangor!

Selain daripada itu, keahlian kelab golf kini mencecah dua digit dengan penyertaan 2 ahli baru yang aktif pada tahun ini - Kak Wan Raimah dan Kak Nori.

Kami berharap agar lebih ramai ahli-ahli MGC/TKC OGA yang akan menaruh minat kepada permainan golf dan turut menyertai permainan bulanan yang dianjurkan.

Untuk maklumat lebih lanjut, sila hubungi Kak Sabariah di talian 012-337 3315.

Born to Golf

written for MGC/TKC AGM Updates

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

2011-05-03T13:15:00.006+08:00

The feeling when I hit the finishing line at Stadium Likas for my first full marathon was just undescribeable!

Throughout my life, I have accomplished things - I represented house, school, district, state and country in various sports and academic fields and went to win some of these events. I have earned a law degree, a Master's degree and was made a Contracts & Procurement Manager in one of the biggest projects in Malaysia - the billion dollar LRT project at a young age of 26 year's old.

Even after my marriage and the birth of the most precious thing in my life, I went on to test new territories and conquered some, in activities that took my fancy - Scuba diving, golf, piano lessons, downhill skiing and mandarin.

Yes...those all seemed to be major accomplishments but somehow they now look so small and insignificant compared to what I have achieved just a few days ago!

I ran the distance from Athens to Marathon and I still can't believe that I have done it!

BORNEO MARATHON 2011

2011-05-03T13:07:00.004+08:00

We did it! We ran all 42.2 km of it.

A lot longer than both of us anticipated but we did it.

Will we do it again?

Over and over! The feeling is just too great to be doing it just once in a lifetime!

Mission Accomplished (6:03)

Born To Run (5:05)

RESULT FROM STANDARD CHARTERED RUN 2010

2011-05-03T12:52:00.001+08:00

http://www.kl-marathon.com/reports/check_race_time
No 48 - Half Marathon Women Veteran Category

RESULTS OF BARENO RUN 2011

2011-04-14T09:43:00.001+08:00

http://www.sports.my/result.php?event=44-bareno_run_2011&page=4
No. 38 in the Half Marathon Women Veteran category

80 / 20 RULE

2011-04-13T13:22:00.003+08:00

The 80 / 20 rule is also known as the Pareto Principle (the law of the vital few).

Generally 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes, 80% of the wealth is owned by 20% of the nation or 80% of sales come from 20% of the Clients.

Taking this into a wider context and applying this to work, the value of the Pareto Principle is that it reminds us to focus on the 20 percent that matters. Of the things we do during the day, only 20 percent really matter. Those 20 percent produce 80 percent of the results.

I always ask my staff to identify and focus on those things. It is not just about working smart, it is working smart on the right things....

p/s: on the last note, my boss thinks it is just an excuse to do less for the same money!

ALL IN A DAY'S WORK

2011-04-13T10:15:00.003+08:00

Usually I deployed my team to negotiate on the company's or client's behalf. But in this particular case, the pressure to reduce cost by 30% will be too much for my team of professional negotiators to handle. So, I decided to assist. The negotiation started at 10 am and by 11 am we wrapped up the deal.

I was so chaffed that I sms to Franco:

LK: just saved the company RM 100k, all in an hour's work. Now I am going for my wantan noodles.

During my brunch, I read a review on C250 CGI and text Franco the page number of the SUN for him to read.

FR: what a gem! I noticed that after saving RM 100k, you proceeded to contemplate buying C250 instead of C200.

LK: No lah! Anyway, you should see Wesley's face when I came out of negotiation and told him I shaved off 30%. His jaw dropped down to his knees. He asked me how I did it. So, I told him, he doesn't have to learn it, he just have to keep me employed for him to be a hero.

FR: Good girl. You are going to have to be employed for at least the next 7 years.

LK: Alamak, I thought until 2015?

FR: Boleh tapi you will need to increase monthly installment amounts ergo you will need to negotiate a significant salary increment.

LK: Cannot increase salary cause don't want more responsibility. In fact, I am negotiating for the same salary with less hours!

FR: Then year 2018 it is!
At about 2 pm, Franco texted me again:

FR: any more savings?

LK: Nope, having my weekly massage now on the 6th floor!
FR: All in a day's "work", huh?

FROM MARATHON TO TRIATHLON

2011-04-13T09:53:00.003+08:00

As part of the cross training for marathon, it was recommended that I do cycling or swimming once a week to provide the overall physical conditioning for the run.

I opted for cycling as my cross as I was told (by a colleague who is a pro swimmer) that I am not an efficient swimmer. The more I attended the RPM session, the more I realise the growing interest in cycling to complement my running regime. The first word that came to my mind after last night's RPM session was DUATHLON.

However, browsing through the web last night, there isn't a lot of duathlon event in Malaysia. In fact there is only one for the whole 2011!

Triathlon seems to be more popular, which is surprising because I always thought that most Malaysians (compared to Western counterpart) do NOT swim!

Anyway, I am determined more than ever now to do triathlon as part of my physical fitness development.

At this stage, two things are required for me to embark on the triathlon journey - acquisition of a bike and engagement of a swimming instructor. The former is currently being facilitated by an old friend - thanks Joe and I am now on a quest to find a triathlon swimming instructor. Anyone who knows of one, please let me know.

BATA

2011-04-13T09:52:00.000+08:00

Buy and Throw Away

Buy and Treasure Always?

CHARITY GOLF FOR NETBALL MALAYSIA

2011-03-29T15:16:00.003+08:00

Venue: Glenmarie Golf & Country Club

Date: 27th March 2011

One of the prizes given away for the lucky draw was the Air Purifier.

Datin Ju who played in my flight asked me: "Lini, Air purifier tu untuk apa?"

My reply: "Kak Ju, to purify the orgasm in the air!"

Datin Ju: "huh!*&$*()&$#^(*()

SUMO WRESTLER

2011-03-25T12:27:00.004+08:00

I think a lot about Japan since the earthquake, wondering how the country is doing. Looking through the photos of the time we were there, I found one that deserved to be shared.

They are not the biggest there is but still worthy of attention!

MY RUNNING HISTORY

2011-03-25T11:42:00.004+08:00

March 2011: 2:20 (21 km)

November 2010: 2:26 (21 km)

October 2010: 3:37 (30km)

June 2010: 1: 10 (10km)

June 2010 2:20 (21km)

March 2010: 1:37 (15km)

February 2010 0.45 (7.7km)

FACES - SYRIA 2011

2011-03-25T11:31:00.004+08:00

The best espresso - sold by the roadside from Serjaellah to Lattakia

The Dead City

CPM LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP 2011

2011-03-25T10:59:00.003+08:00

This year’s CPM workshop was held in exotic Bali from March 3rd to 7th. It was also the Nyepi weekend in Bali – a celebration that requires all residents and visitors in Bali to observe a day of silence and non-activity whereby all is required to refrain from turning the lights on, going out in the streets, working, feeding the senses, engaging in entertainment, making noise that might disturb others, travelling or getting out of the house. For those who are very serious about Nyepi, they also refrain from speaking.

Despite the restraints, the team was able to utilise the time together to discuss topics such as total cost of ownership, category management, program management and the purpose of central design office (CDO). To break the monotony, Edric challenged the team with mind boggling activity in the midst of his Value Management session.

The workshop however is not all work and no play. Thanks to SKM People’s effort, our team had a day of cultural immersion with activities ranging from dancing to traditional farming which brought a lot of smiles and laughters, and untapped potential to a new height.

Thanks to all for making the workshop a success. Special thanks to Barry, Ed and Adri for their presence which reflects the epitome of our journey towards stronger Shell / SKM partnership.

Written for: Leaderboard March 2011

COUNTDOWN

2011-03-25T10:53:00.002+08:00

35 days to my first marathon.

I am supposed to be running 60 km per week by now. It's Friday today and I have only done 38 km.

Hopefully, between Franco's surprise birthday party on Saturday afternoon, Roc's dinner party on Saturday night and charity golf on Sunday afternoon, I will be able to run another 22 km to make up the number before the arrival of the new week, where the distance clock restart to 0 again.

BORN TO RUN

OUR FIRST MARATHON

2011-03-18T21:58:00.003+08:00

The plan was for us to run our first marathon in October this year in Greece but it was way too long to wait. So, I gathered my guts and signed up for Borneo marathon on 1st May in Kota Kinabalu.

May the force be with us throughout the 42kms!

GOLF @ AWANA

2011-03-18T21:37:00.002+08:00

Unofficially, I am now the secretariat for TKC Young Girls Golf Club which now has 2 honourary male members - Kak Lang's husband, Abang Ibrahim and Michael, my neighbour since they have been joining us on our last few golf excursions to make up the flight.

The following is my sms exchange with Michael today.

Lini: Dear all, tee off time has been booked for 8 am on 23rd March at Awana Genting. The fee for ladies is RM 75.50 and for men RM
130.50 including caddy, which I was told to be compulsory.

Michael: As long as she is good looking, otherwise, I just have to concentrate on golf and why would I want to do that?

Lini: Between the distraction from the caddie and the tough terrain, you are going to need a lot of balls, prayers and good luck. So, start
praying and bring lots of balls, the useful kind!

Michael: I always carry those with me!

Lini: I thought I specifically mentioned the useful kind!

Michael: You need to go out more!

Lini: I don't need to go out, I just have to go to the Livillas Club House to drive myself to insanity!

FACES - LEBANON 2011

2011-03-01T13:34:00.005+08:00

SKIING IN THE CEDARS, LEBANON

2011-03-01T12:52:00.013+08:00

We stayed at La Cabane in The Cedars, the only hotel right at the foot of the ski lift. The hotel is new (only opened January 2011 and we were there a few weeks after), in fact when I first saw the hotel I thought that it was still under construction.

But as soon as I went in, I knew I would have a good time there. We spent a lot of time by the fire place, drinking hot chocolate while reading and surfing on the I pad.

The stay was made even more memorable when we met Mustaffa and his family who was so fun and so generous.

La Cabane and its people have a certain charm and warmth that despite a lot of "hardship" that we faced when we were there, it was difficult to be angry or not to fall in love with the place.

The very next day, we decide to hit the slope. It was a hot Sunday and there were oh so many people! (I thought their weekend would be on Friday and was expecting a quiet time on the slope. Turned out, they celebrate weekend like most countries around the world!)

The equipment rental was USD 10 per person and there were shops renting equipment everywhere but we opted for the one right at the foot of the slope. The ski pass was USD 40 per day on weekends. So, USD 150 poorer, we hit the slope and didn't stop until the sun came down and we enjoyed every penny of it...

35 ROOMS, BEIRUT, LEBANON

2011-03-01T12:43:00.002+08:00

Everything about this hotel is purrfect....

THE CEDARS, LEBANON

2011-03-01T11:23:00.011+08:00

The Lebanon Cedar is the national emblem of Lebanon, and is displayed on the Lebanese flag. It is also the logo of Middle East Airlines (MEA), which is Lebanon's national carrier. Beyond that, it is also the main symbol of Lebanon's "Cedar Revolution", along with many Lebanese political parties and movements, the Lebanses Forces, the National Liberal Party, and the Future Movement.

The Cedar of Lebanon was important to various ancient civilizations. The trees were used by the Phonecians for building commercial and military ships, as well as houses, palaces, and temples.

The ancient Egyptians used its resin in mummification, and its sawdust has been found in the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs.

Hebrew priests were ordered by Moses to use the bark of the Lebanon Cedar in circumcision and the treatment of leprosy.

The Hebrew prophet Isaiah used the Lebanon Cedar as a metaphor for the pride of the world.

According to the Talmud, Jews once burned Lebanese cedar wood on the Mount of Olives to celebrate the new year. Foreign rulers from both near and far would order the wood for religious and civil constructs, the most famous of which are King Solomon's temple in Jerusalem and David's and Solomon's Palaces.

Because of its significance the word Cedar is mentioned 76 times in the Bible, and played a pivotal role in the cementing of the Phoenician-Hebrew relationship.

LEBANON & SYRIA ITINERARY

2011-03-01T10:58:00.005+08:00

LEBANON

Day 1 - Beirut, Lebanon
Downtown, Corniche, Amercian University of Beirut, Pigeon's Rock, Hamra
Overnight in Hotel Cavalier, Beirut

SYRIA

Day 2 - Beirut to Damascus
Damascus Old City - Souq Al Hammidiyya, Ummayad Mosque, Saladdin Musoleum, Azem Palace
Overnight in Orient Gate Hotel, Damascus
Day 3 - Damascus to to Homs via Palmyra
Palmyra
Overnight in The Safir, Homs
Day 4 - Homs to Aleppo via Krak des Chevalier
Krak des Chevalier
Aleppo - Aleppo Citadel, Umayyad Mosque, Souq
Overnight in Jyadde Hotel, Aleppo
Day 5 - Aleppo to Lattakia via Dead City
Dead City
Overnight in Le Meridien, Lattakia

LEBANON

Day 6 - Lattakia to The Cedars via Tripoli
Tripoli
Overnight in La Cabane, The Cedars
Day 7 - The Cedars
Ski
Overnight in La Cabane, The Cedars
Day 8 - The Cedars to Beirut
Ski, Gibran's home @ Bcharre, Qadisha Valley
Overnight in 35 Rooms, Beirut
Day 9 - Beirut
Day trip to Jeitta Grotto, Beirut Downtown, Corniche
Overnight in 35 Rooms, Beirut
Day 10 - Beirut to Mzaar Farraya
Ski
Overnight in 35 Rooms, Beirut
Day 11 - Beirut to Baalbek
Baalbek
Overnight in 35 Rooms, Beirut
Day 12 - Beirut to KL

THE LONDON WALK 2009

2011-03-01T10:54:00.003+08:00

This account was written many years ago....

The best way to see London, in fact, the best way to see any city is by walking. And that was what we did on our Day 4 in the UK.

We started our journey from Bayswater through the park that led us to Hyde Park. The park was beautiful - the path was littered with golden leaves that kept falling from the trees and it was so tranquil despite being in the heart of London.

There was Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, so we walked from booth to booth trying to decide on the ride that looked the most appealing. After doing the round, none of us felt that we could stomach a ride, not even in a tea cup, right after breakfast. So we continued pass Mayfair and Knightsbridge to Buckingham Palace.

Tasha was disappointed that the Palace was only open to public in August and September and that the changing of guards was not due till the following day. Nevertheless, we spent some time in front of the Palace wondering what it would be like to live a life of a Queen. Tasha thought that since she doesn’t have to do any household chores, she would have a lot of time on facebook!

The highlight of the walk to the Big Ben was the horses. There were so many of them that it felt like being at a Spanish Riding School!

We got to Big Ben at the strike of noon and marveled at the intricate carvings that went into the building. We walked around Westminster Abbey where there was a huge line up of people trying to catch a glimpse of where the blue blood gets married!

From Big Ben we walked along the river all the way to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. The walk was about 5 km on top of the 7 that we already did, so, we decided against crossing the Millenium Bridge to Tate Gallery. We stopped for lunch at Blackfriars after a recommendation from a very helpful man with the I Touch and we did a slight detour to Nuffield Health Club on Cannon Street to have our running shoes fitted.

We were so dead after the walk that we took a tube back to our hotel in Bayswater and fell asleep as soon as we got into the hotel. We were knocked out for 12 hours, from 6 pm to 6am the next day and when we woke up, we were so ready to conquer the rest of what London has to offer.

UNITED NATIONS

2011-02-12T11:51:00.001+08:00

On the last night in Beirut, we decided to walk along the Corniche again so that the last memory of Beirut for me will be of people jogging by the sea, the kids learning to roller blade and family playing football on the pavements.

When we passed Hard Rock Cafe, we saw a few vans with UN sign. Franco immediatley made remarks about how the UN boys must have a cushy life, hanging out in Hard Rock after a hard day's work.

Tasha: what does UN stand for?

Franco: United Nation, it is a world organisation that helps with peace keeping when there is war.

Tasha after digesting the information then jested, "I am with UN and I come in pieces!"

POEM BY RUMI

2011-02-12T11:46:00.002+08:00

God is like an ocean, and religions are like rivers that all flow into the same ocean.

Our origins are the same, and our destinations are the same;

It is our paths that sometimes differ.

Rumi, the Sufi poet

RELATIONS

2011-02-11T22:26:00.003+08:00

Venue: Dubai International Airport

Out of boredom while waiting for our connecting flight from Beirut to KL, Franco decided to do his dance, which in his mind is super cool, but in reality it is an embarrasment to us all.

While he was in trance with his dance, I asked Tasha, " do you know this guy? Are you related to him?"

Tasha replied "YOU made me related to him!"

TELEPHONE

2011-02-09T04:19:00.004+08:00

I allowed Tasha to have a facebook account when she was as young as 9 years old, but monitored it very closely by getting all posts come to my Blackberry. Recently, a 7 year old announced in her status that she had just received an I phone for her birthday. One of the responses to the status is as follows:

" You are 7 and you have an I phone?&@-$/(:$/& Who are you going to call? Dora?"

DESTINATION UNKNOWN

2011-01-27T13:07:00.005+08:00

Just came back from meeting Kak Majmin (ex TKCian whom I adore for her outlook in life) at KGPA to sort out the flights for tomorrow's golf game.

Since we were short of two people, I invited two of my neighbours to join in.

My exchanges with Arnold (one of the two neighbours):

LK: Our flight is at 7.29 a.m. Fee is RM 82.50. See you tomorrow.

Arnold: Hi Lini, where are we flying to?

LK: It depends on our game. Destination Heaven if we have a good round or Hell, god forbids, if we don't!

Arnold: Couldn't agree more! See you.

FAMILY MEETING ON LEBANON TRIP

2011-01-26T18:43:00.004+08:00

In light of the Day of Rage in Lebanon yesterday, I sent the following message to the other two fellow council members of the Rende reign.

"there will be a Rende family meeting tonight at 8 to discuss about our trip to the Middle East. Your attendance is compulsory."

Franco's SMS exchanges:

FR: I'll be there. I have a conference call at 9. An hour should suffice, correct?

LK: better know your geography to expedite the discussion.

FR: we will unroll our big world map.

LK: do we still have it?

FR: I think so. I will check.

Tasha's SMS exchanges on the other hand:

TR: so proper!

TR: I accept the invitation!

LK: so cute and so official at the same time. You are ready to take my job at SKM!

TR: oh no!

LEBANON

2011-01-23T13:59:00.007+08:00

The plan was for us to spend the CNY 2011 in Lebanon and Syria. After 4 years of peace, I thought Lebanon would be politically stable now. Well, at least they were until the unexpected happened two weeks ago.

the Lebanese parliament was dissolved, tension is now filling the Lebanese air and talks on civil war outbreak are mounting!

On the other hand, there are also a lot of comforting words from other camps who are confident that Lebanon will not go to war again since they have been doing so well, economically, with a growth of 9% last year and expected GDP of an additional 8% this year.

We are leaving in a week, the question is, do we still go?

FLEXIBLE WORK PRACTICE

2011-01-23T13:50:00.007+08:00

After spending half a year writing guidelines for flexible work practice and accumulating tips for the SKM managers and staff to make this practice a success, the proposal was tabled to the Regional Leadership team last Friday, 21st January 2011.

That date will now be a new milestone for SKM. The leaders and managers are now committed to embrace this work practice.

As Kak Lina, an ex-TKCian whom I play golf with quite regularly said on my FB trail "Diversity is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity for forward looking companies....."

I believe her. Time is changing and so are the needs of the employees. I have been waiting for this moment to happen within SKM and now that we have finallly arrived, it is time for me to put in my application to work from home!

I am so looking forward to that.

BYE PAPA

2011-01-23T12:42:00.005+08:00

We dropped Franco off at KL Sentral this morning and as usual Tasha was in tears.

Eventually, I managed to gather enough courage to ask her the question, the answer to which might hurt the feeling of a mother.

Me: Girl, why do you always cry when Papa has to go on a business trip and you never cry when I go anywhere? Some times the places I have to go to are more dangerous, like Pakistan, Cambodia?

Tasha: Cause I know you will survive wherever you go, mom!

REFLECTION ON 2010

2011-01-03T11:07:00.007+08:00

2010 was a good year for us.

a) Tasha started playing 18 holes of golf with us. This has come top in our list of acheivement as we are now able to spend more time as a family!

b) Franco and I ran the furthest distance ever in our life - 30km and we hope to at least complete one marathon in our lifetime in 2011.

c) Tasha made major improvements in her skiing and skied on slope 6 in Club Med Sahoro! Even Franco and I struggled on this slope which is meant for intermediate to advance level skiers. Kudos to my little wedgy!

d) Despite her lack of practice, Tasha passed her Grade 4 piano exam and now resolved to spend more time on her piano for her Grade 5 exam in 2011.

e) Franco got promoted 2 scales up the ladder! He is the most hard working in this family of 3, so, it is definitely the promotion that is well deserved!

f) I managed to get out of the gruelling Shell program (thanks to the Client) and am currently working for the same Client at advisory level, giving me more time to golf during the weekdays. In 2010, I managed to play 30 rounds of golf on weekdays and expect to top that up this year!

g) After 30 years, I was finally reunited with some of my primary school friends from Zainab 1 over a raya do. It was wonderful to see how well everybody is doing with their lives.

h) On the family front, I managed to help mom with her treatment with Dr. Nick Boden. Despite a lot of hardship in organising the trips to the hospital, we managed to endure it and now she is back to her active self.

i) Found a tennis partner who is as crazy or even crazier than I am. So, we started playing 3 days a week resulting in a major improvement in my tennis game.

j) I was out of Malaysia for 67 days out of 365 (source: SOS International) and did not get fired by my boss for it!

Hopefully 2011 will bring us more happiness, health and wealth....ameen.

PIANO PRACTICE

2011-01-03T11:04:00.005+08:00

Tasha on her promise to practise piano:

I promise I will practise piano for one hour and I will force kakak to listen to me for one full hour even if it makes her ears bleed!

sms on 27th December 2010

THE WIN

2011-01-03T10:57:00.006+08:00

Tasha: Mom, so sorry I forgot the cooler again! But Miss Lillee said she will keep it for me until January next year.

Mom: It's ok. I forgive you since you won the golf competition.

Tasha: How did you know? It was supposed to be a surprise!

Mom: I have my sources. Well done. How do you feel?

Tasha: Winning is very tiring!

sms conversation with Tasha in November 2010

I PAD

2011-01-03T10:40:00.005+08:00

I have been the proud owner of the I Pad for exactly one month today and I only have a few words to say about it....it is totally awesome and it is a life changing machine.

I LOVE MY I PAD.

Sorry, I have to say more than that just to make a point:
You can do pretty much everything on the I pad - read Quran, play games, engage in social network via facebook and e-mail, work (not much of this but that is how it should be anyway), book a vacation, get directions and the list goes on - all done with such simplicity and ease!

JAPANESE TECHNOLOGY

2010-12-23T13:54:00.015+08:00

Green Tea Kit Kat

Police on Wheels

We all have heard of the warm toilet seat. Now, you also have the options to deodorise the toilet and have a waterfall background sound while you are doing business.

Simple but elegant lock for the shoe cabinet at the entrance of the restaurant.

Portable bicycle. Can be folded and carried in the bus or train for the long leg of the journey.

In Japan, you never have to learn how to do a three point turn!

Travel while exercise in comfort.

Travellator for the bicycles

3 in 1 tap - soap, wash and dry

Impressed that all cab drivers wear a tie and a suit, but more impressed by the fact that the taxi doors close by themselves!

You will always be able to look in the mirror despite how steamy the toilet is!

Double decker parking

No need for enforcement. You don't pay parking, you can't get your vehicle out!

And of course the Japanese pride, the shinkansen (also known as the bullet train!)

JAPANESE HOSPITALITY

2010-12-23T13:12:00.004+08:00

A few days before our Japan trip, I purposely planned to play golf with Emi (a newly found Japanese) so that I can take the opportunity to learn a few Japanese words and get some travel tips from her. She warned me that most Japanese will shy away when asked either for directions or information. Since it came from a Japanese, I took that quiet seriously and did a lot more research on transportation, places to go to etc. than I would normally have done before any other trip. Despite that, we still needed a lot of help when we got there.

TOKYO STATION

Upon arrival from Narita airport, with minimal Japanese (non-existent actually), we managed to get to Tokyo all by ourselves until we got to the metro stations. Tokyo metro stations are more complex than what I am used to - London, New York, even Moscow subway was easier to understand!

While trying to figure out how it all worked, a Japanese gentleman approached us and asked whether he could help us. We jumped at the opportunity but didn't expect him to spend more than 30 minutes helping us. But he did.

He managed to get us the refund for the tickets that we wrongly bought, showed us the office where we can get a day pass and even brought us to the platform where we were supposed to catch the train to our hotel in Hanzomon. What a guy! I couldn't help but request to take a photo with him for I could never repay his kindness, but I hope the photo will remind me of his hospitality so that I can offer him a prayer of good health and wealth.

KYOTO STATION

It was so big that we couldn't even figure out how best to get out of the station. I left Franco and Tasha with the luggage and started scouting for someone to assist us. Armed with just a smile and the name of the hotel, I spotted this young Japanese guy. He had no idea where the hotel was but he was with us good 15 minutes to help us figure out the direction to the hotel. When we parted ways, we wished him the best of luck in his boxing career.

MATCHING PYJAMAS

2010-12-21T14:53:00.005+08:00

If you are planning to visit Japan, don't bother packing yout PJs. Most hotels provide either pyjamas or yukata (cotton summer version of kimono).

So there we were, in our matching pjs, ready to sleep off our sore legs after a full day of sight seeing!

Oyasumi nasai （おやすみなさい.........

YOKOHAMA BY NIGHT

2010-12-21T14:17:00.005+08:00

After following Yus' instruction to the tee, we arrived at the subway station a few minutes before 6.30 p.m. and waited for Marc there. Tasha asked me whether I have met Marc before, and when she heard the negative word, she questioned how I was going to identify him.

I had no idea how but as soon as Marc walked into the station, I knew right away that he was the guy. We did the usual introduction and then followed him on a little tour en route to their abode, where we were told Yus was busy cooking a feast. Just as well as we were starving!

The meal was delicious - nice home cooked miso soup to make us feel warm and fuzzy inside, followed by a vegetable pie and a pasta dish with salad on the side and finished with the eclair, which of course I didn't get to taste as my portion (and I think Yus' as well) was gobbled down by yours truly. In moments like that I felt like I had raised a monster with no eating manners, but Yus is an old time friend, so, Tasha's table manners, or the lack thereof, in her moments of weakness, was brushed off as cute and adorable!

The time we spent with Yus and Marc was too short (or at least it felt that way since time always flew right by you when you were having fun) but next time (we hope), we would plan it a bit better so that we can take on Marc's offer to take us climb Mount Fiji, go skiing or just hang out....

LOST & FOUND

2010-12-21T13:56:00.004+08:00

Half way to the hotel from Kyoto train station, Tasha realised that the laundry bag was not with any of us. True enough, Franco did his thing again and left the bag on the train. Silently, I said goodbye to my newly procured Heattech thermal which was in the laundry bag while cursing Franco, under my breath, for being so careless.

The next day, before taking the train to Himeji we decided to check at the Lost and Found at Kyoto station. After describing our laundry bag for less than a minute, the guy typed into his computer for a second and told us that our bag is in Okayama. The procedure is that for us to leave our hotel address and they will mail to us, to be received in 2 days. Since we were moving from one place to another almost daily, we decided to go to Okayama to pick the bag up ourselves. Afterall, it was only one stop away from Himeji, our destination for that day.

An hour later, we found Lost and Found Centre at Okayama Station and true as we were told, found our laundry bag....with everything in tact.

We were so amazed by the honesty of the Japanese people and the efficiency of their system. We later were told that even when a wallet is left on the train or in restaurant, most if not, all the time, the owner will get it back with not even a penny less from the wallet.

"Exclusively in Japan" is all I can say.

MOUNT FIJI

2010-12-21T13:50:00.005+08:00

View from Shinkansen Hikari from Kyoto to Tokyo.

The Japanese believes that if you are able to sight Mount Fiji, you will be blessed with good luck (apparently, even on normal clear day, there will always be mists that mystify the mountain and make it difficult to be seen from a distance).

I guess I am one lucky girl.....

KOBE BEEF

2010-12-21T13:34:00.010+08:00

Is it as good as people say it is? YES, absolutely!

SHIBUYA CROSSING, JAPAN

2010-12-21T13:27:00.006+08:00

TRULY JAPANESE

2010-12-20T14:57:00.007+08:00

After booking our flight to Japan, the first priority was for me to arrange to at least have a lunch with a friend whom I have not seen since 1989. Instead of accepting our lunch invitation, she invited us to spend the weekend with her at her cottage in Karuizawa - 1.5 hour bullet train ride from Tokyo. So, our Japanese exerience began when we met Akira and Reiri for lunch at Tokyo Station.

After lunch we headed to Karuizawa, which reminded me so much of a little English town. Being a 'kampung' girl, I felt at ease right away with the environ until we hit the factory outlets selling Pradas and Hugo Boss. The prices surprisingly are comparable to the factory outlets in the States, but since we didn't plan for shopping, we did a lot of window shopping and very little buying.

LIFE IS TOO SHORT

2010-11-29T15:41:00.005+08:00

via BB Messenger:

F: Last week everyone at the office here in KL bugged me about all the holidays that I take. This morning Soraya from the Jakarta office gave me a hard time. Screw them all. Let's get the Merc and go on even more holidays - life is too short!

Within seconds I responded to the message:

L: Yeay! See you at Cycle and Carriage after work today, 5 pm sharp. And yes, I will book for our trip to London in summer.

F: Wow...that was fast.

L: Life is too short! You said it yourself! Let's not waste anymore time....

2010 TRAVEL

2010-11-26T16:52:00.006+08:00

2010 has been a year full of travels for business as well as for leisure.

February - South Africa (leisure: beautiful)

March - Phuket (work: fun in the sun)

March - Singapore (work: unproductive)

June - Jakarta (work: audit)

July - Manila (work: typhoon)

August - Bandung (leisure: Billabong)

September - Kota Bharu (leisure: live to eat)

October - Port Dickson (work: swim)

October - Singapore (leisure: peeling)

October - Bandung (leisure: volcanic)

November - Oman (work: bakhlava)

November - Penang (leisure: wet)

December - Singapore (leisure: I pad?)

December - Japan (leisure: expecting maximum awesomeness)

QUEEN

2010-11-26T15:36:00.003+08:00

Date: 25th November 2010
Venue: KGSAAS
Flight mates: Arnold, Michael and Frank (Franco's friends)

Franco's sms at 12.08: How are my kaki kaki doing?

Franco's sms at 13.05: Sorry, thought you were done. Just wanted to see how you played

Lini's sms at 14.20: 98

Franco's sms at 14:22: Good - I guess you beat the others, correct?

Lini's sms at 14.25: No time for losing, cause I am the champion, of the world

Franco's sms at 14.26: Quoting "Queen" - tres cool!

SHOWER

2010-09-17T11:33:00.003+08:00

Thanks to Air Asia. Our flight on the return journey from Kota Bharu was delayed (again).

As a result, we got home past midnight. We all took a shower and went straight to bed.

The next morning:

MOM: Tasha, Can you please go and take a shower?

TASHA: I already showered this morning.

MOM: Don't lie, girl. You just woke up.

TASHA: Mom, I showered at 12.42 this morning when we came back from KB, so, technically, I already have my morning shower.

MOM: !@#$^&*())

BAJU RAYA

2010-09-08T12:33:00.004+08:00

As usual, I contracted Tasha's baju raya to my dearest sister, Roza so that all the cousins will have matching clothes. I allow this little indugence because they look so adorable all together and i can't say no to this priceless experience!

However, for Franco et moi, for the 5th or 6th years running (or porbably longer than that), I haven't made myself new baju raya, preferring to wear whatever I have from my existing wardrobe.

Afterall, Ramadhan is the training ground for resisting pleasure and indulgence in life.

With that in mind, why then should raya be a celebration of extravagance and excessiveness?

SWAVE

2010-09-06T14:03:00.005+08:00

Swave is the new craze....

After Tasha's Grade 4 music theory exam this morning, I decided to buy her her own swave board since all the while she has been borrowing Tia's.

So, we headed to One Utama and found one at the first store we went in - Studio R.

She couldn't control her excitement and started swaving in the mall.

19th MAY 2010

2010-09-06T13:15:00.005+08:00

Probably the worst day of my professional life. The event was too stupid to be repeated here but one of the outcomes served as a revelation for me.

While I was being bashed by the Clients (I won't get into details here cause I don't want you to think that our Clients are a bunch of insecured jokers!), he stood by in my defence while the rest of my team scrambled to sell their soul (and mine) to save their skin.

SHELDON KRAHE - You are the best boss ever.

ROAD TAX

2010-09-02T09:16:00.004+08:00

For two years in a row, we have been delinquent with the renewal of our road tax.

Last year we drove all the way to Singapore only to be refused entry by car and escorted out of Singapore.

This year, we did the same thing again, only the repercussion is not so serious (not yet....since I have not received the renewal). I am trying to stay out of the radar and it is just so hard to drive 80km/h on the road I am used to at least double the speed!

Had Sharma still be around, I would NEVER be in this predicament. We miss you Sharma.

n.b: Sharma was Franco's driver for more than 10 years. His official title was actually "Asset Manager". He passed away in his sleep 2 years ago and his replacement was not even half as good as he was.

FATHER-DAUGHTER

2010-09-02T09:08:00.005+08:00

We finished playing squash with some neighbours and our special guest, Carrie Yeoh (who used to be on the National team) and his adorable son of 8 years old, when the son turned to Franco while pointing at me and asked,

"Is that your daughter?"

Franco didn't find it amusing and resolved to dye his white hair while I gloated the whole night!

GOLF POEM

2010-08-30T19:04:00.001+08:00

In My Hand I Hold A Ball,
White And Dimpled, And Rather Small.
Oh How Bland It Does Appear,
This Harmless Looking Little Sphere.

By Its Size I Could Not Guess,
The Awesome Strength It Does Possess.
But Since I Fell Beneath Its Spell,
I've Wandered Through The Fires Of Hell.

My Life Has Not Been Quite The Same,
Since I Chose To Play This Stupid Game.
It Rules My Mind For Hours On End,
A Fortune It Has Made Me Spend.

It Has Made Me Curse And Made Me Cry,
And Hate Myself And Want To Die.
It Promises Me A Thing Called Par,
If I Hit It Straight And Far.

To Master Such A Tiny Ball,
Should Not Be Very Hard At All.
But My Desires The Ball Refuses,
And Does Exactly As It Chooses.

It Hooks And Slices, Dribbles And Dies,
And Disappears Before My Eyes.
Often It Will Have A Whim,
To Hit A Tree Or Take A Swim.

With Miles Of Grass On Which To Land,
It Finds A Tiny Patch Of Sand.
Then Has Me Offering Up My Soul,
If Only It Would Find The Hole.

It's Made Me Whimper Like A Pup,
And Swear That I Will Give It Up.
And Take To Drink To Ease My Sorrow,
But The Ball Knows... I'll Be Back Tomorrow.

Stand proud you noble swingers of clubs and losers of balls....

MY FAVOURITE THINGS

2010-08-30T19:00:00.003+08:00

Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favourite things.

Cadillac's and cataracts, and hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favourite things..

When the pipes leak, When the bones creak,

When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favourite things,

And then I don't feel so bad.

Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favourite things.

Back pains, confused brains, and no need for sinnin',
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin',
And we won't mention our short, shrunken frames,
When we remember our favourite things.

When the joints ache, When the hips break,

When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I've had,

And then I don't feel so bad.

MICROSOFT'S YOUNGEST RECRUIT

2010-08-30T18:34:00.006+08:00

On the third day in Bandung, Tasha grew tired of the Factory Outlets and decided not to follow us in our search for golf clothing. To accommodate her request, we decided to limit our outing to 2 hours, and during our absence, I arranged for her to have a manicure and pedicure at the hotel spa and she was to spend the rest of the time at the club lounge.

Upon our return, we went straight to the club lounge only to find that she was no where to be seen there. We checked the hotel room and she wasn't there either. I was getting angry by the minute and worried that she had gone into the pool even though there was clear instruction for her not to go anywhere near the water without us around.

We headed to the pool area nevertheless and there she was....by the poolside with a bunch of cyber people, competing to build the tallest structure using a few pieces of cardboards.

According to unreliabe source, she had been "invited" (although I think she probably had volunteered herself will be a more likely story) to participate in the Microsoft team building activities!

TASHA'S FINAL PERFORMANCE

2010-08-30T14:19:00.003+08:00

For 5 years, we endured the double classes before the exam, daily practices prior to the concerts or performance, the sewing of sequins and endless purchases of make ups and hair pins....

For 5 years we fought who picked her when, who would do the video and took the photos of the performance, who would do up her hair and how....

For 5 years, we cried when we saw her on stage, gracefully moving on her tippy toes...

All that came to an end this July.

Tasha was sad to leave her friends and teachers behind but let me tell you...her decision was such a relief for us.

N/B: For parents who aspire their kids to be ballerinas, think before you commit!

STANDARD CHARTERED RUN 2010

2010-08-30T13:59:00.006+08:00

The duo running the half marathon

The unexpected happened - I tossed and turned the night before the race and finally managed to get in just under 4 hours of sleep.

Not to be deterred by this setback, we woke up at 4 as planned and fuelled ourselves with bread, bananas, dates and juices.

When the race started, the expected happened. The pressure started to build up in my shin and it was so intense that I had to stop running and start walking.

The thought of quitting at that point ran through my mind a million times or maybe more but I pressed on, hoping that with every step that I took the pressure will be reduced and eventually withered away. It did after 4 km after which I started running and didn't stop (well, except for water and 100 Plus breaks) until the finishing line.

I overtook Franco on the 14th km, gave him some Power Gel and sped on to finish in 2:20.

Very happy indeed that I have achieved another milestone in my life. The next will be the Newton Run 30km in Singapore @ 10/10/10

BANDUNG'S BEST KEPT SECRET

2010-08-30T13:47:00.005+08:00

The Factory Outlets are everywhere in Bandung.

We didn't have much time for shopping as most of our days were spent on the golf course. However, we did check out Jalan Setiabudi (Rumah Moda, Mode Plus, Donnatello), Jalan Riau (Oasis, Secret, Heritage) and Dago (Blossom; Jetset). Our favourites are probably Rumah Moda and Blossom since we spent the most time here.

The prices are good as compared to Factory Outlets in the States but the difference is that in the States each brand has its own outlet whereas in Bandung, each outlet carries so many different brands and sometimes you end up going through the same materials in different outlets.

So, be prepared to spend a lot of time shopping, even if you know what you are looking for.

MOUNTAINVIEW GOLF CLUB, BANDUNG

2010-08-30T13:24:00.007+08:00

Mountain View Golf Club

A swing of a champion

Tasha getting advice from her caddy

Papa enjoying the view from the back of the buggy

La famiglia enjoying their short golfing break in Bandung

Tasha's second round of 18 holes @ 27th August 2010

She played well here, partly because she had played 18 holes just the day before and felt more relaxed about finishing the game, her personal caddy was very chatty (to her liking) - they talked about Blackberry to America's Next Top Model while walking the course, the weather was so pleasant and best of all, she was in top form.

She nailed the speed of the green, her irons were just solid rock and the combination scored her 141 strokes - not bad for a budding golfer!

This was an expensive round of golf but well worth every penny for Tasha to have her first taste of how fun golf really is.

DAGO ENDAH GOLF COURSE, BANDUNG

2010-08-30T12:56:00.005+08:00

The paddy terrace

The narrow fairway

The undulating terrain

Dago Endah a par 70, (about 1 km shorter than an average golf course) may lack in distance but it makes up for it by having such a challenging layout. The fairways are very narrow and take the shape of paddy terraces. Once off the fairway, the borrowed fairway will be either below or above the hole you are playing. The contour of the fairway is undulating, there is no half way hut or rest room on the course, and with the latter especially, there never was a dull moment at Dago Endah.

Tasha played her first 18 holes here....so, it makes the experience even more memorable.

I'VE GOT TIME

2010-08-30T12:38:00.009+08:00

Date: 21st August 2010

Venue: Pavillion Swiss Watch

I was "timeless" for so long - 2 years, 4 months and 17 days to be exact, and now I am the proud owner of a timeless masterpiece.

Thank you Tasha for helping me with the choices, Samme who acted as my professional negotiator, Sherm for the great company and Franco - not sure for what.....(just kidding!) for finally getting the watch of my dream.

MELANKOLIS SANG ANAK BUAT ARWAH EMAK

2010-08-22T15:40:00.002+08:00

Franco and I were late for this performance.
Also found this on her laptop.

(SING IBU SONG)

BERMULA DARIPADA SEGUMPAL DAGING MERAH
HINGGALAH KEPADA PEMBENTUKAN TULANG-TEMULANG
TERBENTUK DI DALAM RAHIM SEORANG INSAN
MENJADI PERANTARAMUKA
ANTARA MAKHLUK DENGAN TUHAN

SELAMAT SEJAHTERA
DARIPADA INSAN YANG SERING ALPHA
INGIN BERKONGSI NASIB
BERKONGSI CERITA
KISAH SANG ANAK YANG RINDUKAN EMAKNYA
DENGARKANLAH
SUARA HATI
BUAT EMAK
INSAN YANG TERCINTA
TERNGIANG-NGIANG DI TELINGA KAMI
KETIKA EMAK MEMANGGIL KAMI
KETIKA EMAK MENASIHATI KAMI
KETIKA EMAK MENEGUR KAMI
KETIKA EMAK MENDODOI KAMI
DAN KETIKA EMAK
MENDOAKAN KESEJAHTERAAN KAMI

MASIH SEGAR DALAM INGATAN KAMI
KETIKA EMAK BERKATA “ANAK-ANAK MAK……. EMAK TAK ADA PUSAKA UNTUK DIWARISI…. EMAK TIADA HARTA UNTUK DIBERI.
MAK HANYA MAMPU MENYEKOLAHKAN KAMU…. KERANA MAK PERCAYA HANYA ILMU SAHAJA YANG DAPAT MENGUBAH NASIB KAMU SEMUA….
JANGANLAH ANAK-ANAK MAK SIA-SIAKAN SEMUA INI…… KERANA MAK TAK HARAPANKAN APA-APA BALASAN DARIPADA KAMU SEMUA…
CUKUPLAH BAHAGIAN ANAK-ANAK EMAK DI DUNIA INI”

MACAM KAMU SEMUA EMAK KAMI CANTIK, LEMAH LEMBUT, SOPAN SANTUN BAIK BUDI PEKERTINYA

BETUL! BETUL! BETUL!
EMAK KAMI CEKAL,GIGIH, DAN PENYABAR ORANGNYA
9 BULAN 9 HARI EMAK KANDUNGKAN KAMI
TIBA MASA EMAK LAHIRKAN KAMI
EMAK JAGA KAMI
DENGAN PENUH KASIH SAYANG
EMAK SUSUKAN KAMI
DENGAN SUSU BADANNYA SENDIRI
EMAK BELAI KAMI
DENGAN KELEMBUTAN DAN KEIKHLASAN
EMAK TAK PERNAH ABAIKAN KAMI
KERANA EMAK AMAT MENYAYANGI KAMI

SAKIT, PENAT, LELAH
SEMUANYA EMAK PENDAM

EMAK…..! EMAK……! DI MANAKAH EMAK?
KAMI RINDUKAN EMAK! KAMI SAYANGKAN EMAK
MAAFKAN KAMI JIKA KAMI MALAKUKAN KESALAHAN
KAMI DAH MENYESAL KAMI MENYESAL…… EMAK!
JIKA ADA SATU HARI LAGI TIDAK AKAN BERHENTI
TANGAN INI MERANGKUL ERAT TUBUH EMAK
TIDAK AKAN BERHENTI IKHTIAR KAMI

MENCAPAI KEJAYAAN

POEM FOR MUM

2010-08-22T15:34:00.004+08:00

Found this on Tasha's laptop, during one of my random surveillance....
(the documet is saved as POEM FOR MUM.doc)

10 years ago I was born.
My mum always told me it was
the happiest day of her life.
I wonder if she just said that because
all mums say that.

One day I was flipping through the album
of my first few pictures at the hospital.
These pictures had been taken several hours
after my mum gave birth to me.
Some of her friends were there to.

As my mum held me in her arms I
could tell from her eyes that she was about
to break down in tears.
I nearly broke down in tears when I saw
the pictures.

It was such a beautiful moment.

Now that’s how I know my mum didn’ just say
that it was the happiest day of her life.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!!
God Bless You

ATHENS MARATHON

2010-08-11T09:26:00.004+08:00

The modern Athens Marathon commemorates the run of the soldier Pheidippides from a battlefield at the site of the town of Marathon, Greece, to Athens in 490 B.C., bringing news of a Greek victory over the Persians. Legend has it that Pheidippides delivered the momentous message "Niki!" ("victory"), then collapsed and died, thereby setting a precedent for dramatic conclusions to the marathon.

When the modern Olympic games were inaugurated in 1896 in Greece, the legend of Pheidippides was revived by a 24.85 mile (40 km) run from Marathon Bridge to Olympic stadium in Athens.

Twenty-five runners assembled on Marathon Bridge. The starter mumbled a few words and fired the gun, and the race was on. Spiridon Louis, a Greek postal worker from the village of Marusi and veteran of several long military marches, crossed the finish line a full seven minutes ahead of the pack. His time was 2 hours, 58 minutes, 50 seconds for the 40 kilometer distance (average pace of 7:11 minutes per mile). When it was all over nine runners finished, 8 of them Greeks. The host nation was ecstatic, and the marathon was born.

The United States was one of 9 nations at the 1896 Athens Olympics, thanks to sponsorship of athletes by the Boston Athletic Association. Middle distance runner Arthur Blake was the only American to enter the first marathon. Blake won a silver medal in the 1500 meters 3 days before the marathon but unfortunately this left him exhausted and he dropped out after about 14.5 miles. Planning for North America's first marathon began on the boat back to United States. The first annual Boston Athletic Association marathon was conducted on April 19, 1897.

At the 1908 Olympic Games in London, the marathon distance was changed to 26.2 miles to cover the ground from Windsor Castle to White City stadium, with the 2.2 miles added on so the race could finish in front of royal family's viewing box. This added two miles to the course, and is the origin of the Marathon tradition of shouting "God save the Queen!" (or other words relating to the Queen) as mile post 24 is passed. After 16 years of extremely heated discussion, this 26.2 mile distance was established at the 1924 Olympics in Paris as the official marathon distance.

Today, marathons have become a running tradition throughout the world. Yet the annual Marathon at Athens, where it all began, has a tradition and an appeal like no other.

It is so appealing that we are training to run there in 2011.....

ANTERIOR TIBIAL COMPARTMENT SYNDROME

2010-08-03T10:17:00.004+08:00

Compartment Syndrome is a condition characterised by increased intracompartmental pressure within the inelastic fascia that surrounds muscular compartments.

During strenuous exercise, increase up to 20% may occur in muscle volume and weight due to blood flow and edema. Although normal fascial compartment can accommodate increased muscular volume during strenuous exercise, in chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) a noncompliant compartment leads to abnormally elevated tissue pressures.

Repeated episodes of CECS may lead to compartment fascia thickening which increasingly affects the ability to return to its normal state of yield.

University of Athens’s research confirmed correlation between long distance runners and increased risk of CECS development.

SOUTH AFRICA

2010-07-23T18:10:00.007+08:00

When I mentioned Cape Town, the reactions from my friends and colleagues were all the same - did you see the majestic Table Mountain or ate seafood in Hout Bay or watched the cute little penguins in Simmon's Town or went to touch the water where the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans meet?

Yes, and yes and yes.

But what striked me the most was none of the above because I read and heard all about them before I went and therefore expected them to be gorgeous and wonderful experience, and they all lived up to their good reputation.

So, there was no element of surprise there, really.

What I love most about Cape Town is the healthy lifestyle. Even as early as 6 in the morning, there were so many people running, doing weights by the seafront. The cafes, even the simplest ones, have healthy food options with serving portion meant for ordinary people. The sea is littered with people surfing despite the cold water, the beach with kids and adults playing beach volleyball or football and the mountains with hikers of different fitness level.

The lifestyle was really contagious. Even Tasha got into it and joined me for the runs.... even when she had to get up at 6 in the morning on her holiday!

TEAM BUILDING

2010-07-22T09:12:00.007+08:00

The team building for my Asian team members which took place in Broga Hills in June 2010 was a real eye-opener for me.

Carrie from Hong Kong, is really petit with a small voice, so small you could hardly hear her speak during our regular teleconference. But of all, she surprised me the most. She was on my team and boy...was I eventually glad to have her on my team! She was really the bravest of the hearts!

Then I have Feby from Indonesia, who was afraid of heights but went on to climb a ladder 60 feet high and did a flying fox from that height! She made everybody laughed constantly and had so much confidence that she could even laugh at her own faults. That is 5 star quality right there.

Beybs is the "most serious" of the lot, or at least that was the image she wanted to project and I really believed it. In fact, I now know that of all, she is probably the one who knows how best to have fun! Her dance move is world class...but then again she is a Filipino and I believe every one of them is born with music in their head.

My Indian fellow, Mithoon is the coolest and the most collected of all and remained that way through out while we were shouting, yelling and laughing our heads off. It is always good to have a sensible head in times of euphoria.

I remember my phone bill last year was enormous because of the constant calls to Riaz in Pakistan. This is the person who used to confide in me on all decisions, big and small. This year, he did a turn around and in fact during the team building, went on to take the lead when we had to build a raft to save the team members' lives.

Unfortunately, Nattha from Thailand injured her ankle in the beginning of the activities, otherwise I am sure she would have wowed me as well!

As for the PMO team, Edric's knotting skill that he acquired during his boy scout days came in handy when we had to build a raft, Ganesh didn't wash himself up as often as I thought he would given the mud and dirty water that we had to play in (which is a big achievement for someone who is anal about cleanliness - I know this because I live with one) and Terence participated in almost all the activities despite his health condition.

So kudos to all SKM Shell Asia Procurement team and thank you to the SKM People Team for the organising such a fun event.

RUN FRANCO RUN

2010-07-20T15:57:00.004+08:00

Running...such a sweet word - It was something that we started out for fun but I think it is turning into an addiction.

Between Franco and I, almost monthly, we scour the net looking for a run to participate, making sure that we will not miss out on any, like a scrounger looking for valuable recyclables in people's trash bins.

Just a few months ago, we didn't care which category we competed in, but now Franco would frown and moan if I registered him for the Open Category instead of Veteren category as it minimises his chance of getting a medal!

This year, we ran in Putrajaya, Bukit Jalil, downtown KL twice and will be going to Singapore and Penang after Raya. Our holidays are now dictated by where and when the run will be!

E-mails and Facebook traffic is busier than Jalan Sultan Ismail before the event as we try to hook up with friends and family who participate in the same even and after the event to share the wonderful experience and achievements.

And I guess the give-away of the addiction is when we are not even bothered by some runs that start as early as 2.30 a.m!!!

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

2010-07-20T12:04:00.005+08:00

Can't help but to let this one out after staring at the award that I had received just a week ago for "outstanding performance".

It was supposed to be a recognition of outstanding work but I guess the operative word "outstanding" is not really understood by the Section Managers as they dished out rewards for staff who delivered the project on time, or for handling a difficult client, or for putting a system in place.

I am still trying to figure out where the outstanding element in all of these? Isn't it expected of them to deliver on time and to deal with all hardship and difficulties?

In my world, delivering a project on time is a prerequisite for a half decent Project Manager. However, delivering a project ahead of schedule in remote areas such as the islands of PNG where the tsunami occurence is as frequent as the rain in Malaysia - that's outstanding performance...

Putting a system that cut time spend on a particular activity by 50% - that's outstanding performance, but putting a system in place which requires more work by the users because it requires more useless information - that's a freaking waste of everybody's time.

Am I missing the plot again?

TIME

2010-05-17T09:21:00.004+08:00

People always asked me how do I find time to do the things I do. The answer really lies in the simplicity and priority.

My weekdays are pretty routine but very fulfilling - in the morning, send Tasha to school and be at work by 8 so that I am home by 5.30 p.m. to spend time with Tasha. On accasional days, I take time off work to join my friends to play golf in the morning and be in the office by lunch.

I am very disciplined when it comes to leaving the office on time, just as I am disciplined in arriving early at work, and I don't make any exceptions for anyone - not even for the Clients. This used to be a point of complaints by colleagues and Clients. But those comments eventually faded away and everybody now worked their schedule around my departure time. To ensure consistency with the rule application, I always have my office door closed at 5, whether or not I am in the office. That's 9 hours of my 24 and it is more than enough contribution for my self esteem and to the society.

The happiest time in the day for me is between 5.30 to 8 where I spend time with Tasha cycling, walking, swimming, watching TV or sometimes, just lying in her bed watching her complete her homework.

8 to 10 is my fun time, doing things I love. It is my time for Franco, tennis, personal training, Mandarin lesson, running, reading, whatever my heart desires.

And then it is time to go to bed and the day starts again - with all its predictability but never a dull moment.

THE PATIENT

2010-05-17T09:20:00.002+08:00

Franco has been sick for the last few days. This morning he was still sleeping when I left the house to send Tasha to school. At 8.15 a.m. my sms beeped:

Franco: Sorry to inform you but I am still alive!

Lini: What is the new ETD?

Franco: Unknown - on death watch!

ARSENAL versus CHELSEA

2009-12-10T02:08:00.004+08:00

Shit Club No history....

Guess which team was shouting this to their opponent?

RETIREMENT

2009-12-10T01:58:00.005+08:00

Upon arrival in London Heathrow, we picked up our rented car at Hertz and drove to Stratford upon Avon. Franco was enchanted by the rolling hills, drivers’ good manners, the many public golf courses we passed by and talked about moving to UK for retirement.

The plan was for Franco to retire at 50. That gives us 8 more years to decide on the country of retirement. When he suggested England, my heart missed a beat. I entertained the idea since I lived there for 7 years and still feel like coming home every time I land in Heathrow.

The next day, the appeal of retiring in England was being washed away with every raindrop, at least for Franco anyway.

HARI RAYA HAJI 2009

2009-12-10T01:46:00.004+08:00

THE LONDON FLIGHT

Normally, we would all sleep for the most part of the journey. But not this trip – not for Tasha and me anyway.

So, while Franco slept, Tasha played hangman and I resorted to the movie channel. 13 hours of flight and I managed to watch a record breaking of 5 movies in a row:

a) Julie and Julia
b) Adam
c) The Weather Girl
d) The taking of Pelham 123
e) 500 days of Summer

On the other side of the world, mom was tasked to perform Qurban on my behalf. My sister sent me an MMS of the photo with the caption “Lembu Kak” (translation: sis, your cow) just before I boarded! I figured by the time I reached London, the meat would have been distributed to the poor and I would feel a hell lot better to roam the streets of London in search of worldly bliss.

Or is that an oxymoron?

FACEBOOK

2009-12-10T01:41:00.005+08:00

Venue: In front of Buckingham Palace, London

Date: 1st December 2009

Mom: It must be so boring to be the Queen. She cannot go out and choose her own Haagen Daaz ice cream, can’t go anywhere without the paparazzi following her, she probably doesn’t even know that you now can do eye lash extensions since she doesn’t go out to the spa to get her beauty stuff done! Hmm…I wonder what the Queen does everyday to fill her time?

Tasha: Well, if she doesn’t have to do any of those things, she will have a lot of time for Facebook! And that must be fun!

THE LAST WORKING DAYS 2009

2009-11-29T10:57:00.005+08:00

My 5 week holiday was fast approaching and my trip to Singapore for the Global Procurement Forum with the Client, that was scheduled 2 days before I left for my vacation, was approaching even faster.

Whilst I was excited about my long awaited vacation, I knew I had a huge hurdle before I could even think about packing my woolies. I had to convince the Client of 2010 Work Plan and without their sign off, all vacation deals with my boss would be called off.

So, off we flew to Singapore for the video conference as the Client was everywhere but in KL. The plan was to spend 8 hours sharing my Work Plan with the Clients and to facilitate global participation, the call had to be scheduled from 4 pm to midnight for the East. Alas...they are the Client.

As we entered the Halo Room, my heart sank when I saw all the top dogs from around the world sitting around the virtual table. Judging from the e-mails and teleconference preceeding this event, I knew everybody had full loaded guns under the table. So, I rehearsed my presentation a million times and played Devil's Advocate with colleagues a billion times more.

I started the Forum with a smile especially directed to the 2 GMs sitting in The Hague and London and told them this story, "A few weeks back I sent my 2010 Work Plan to London for a preliminary discussion, a Plan I was proud to share as it would bring values to all of you in more ways than thinkable. I was confident that I was going to be receiving comments like a job well done, let's cancel the Forum and let you focus on delivering the fabulous Work Plan. Instead, I was accused of starting a guerilla warfare for reasons known only to all of you. To set the record straight, I am a lover, not a fighter, but I am also known for not taking NO as an answer". So, let this Forum begins and let us all speak or forever we shall keep the piece."i

FRIENDLY CHAT WITH THE BOSS

2009-11-27T02:20:00.006+08:00

2009 focus at work was to provide strategies to take advantage of the market. The target was to deliver savings amounting to USD 7.5m. With a capex of USD 150m to spend, that translated to a price reduction of 5% which was quite a challenge considering I have to deliver the same across the board - Pakistan included! The fancy term used for the cost savings in Shell's world is VI which stands for Value Improvement!

The incentive for the Consultant was a fee of 10% for every dollar spent if we hit the USD 7.5m mark. It was not just about strategies, operationalising the plan, it was a race against time since, by year end, if we hit below the mark, even by a penny, we will get nothing.

We achieved the magic number in the month of November.

That was just a prelude to what was to follow:

Barry, our Client's rep needed to provide a short article of our key achievement for 2009. His e-mail to Sheldon, our Programme Director, read:

"If you have ready articles I can just copy - that will be great. Clear issues I will include are (1) cost reduction (2) VI achievement (3) time reduction (4) HSSE (5) Innovations? More?"

Sheldon in turn forwarded to us Barry's e-mail:

What do you think? Are we able to help out? I think I have all the HSSE material. I have the latest VI as well. Not sure if there are further cost reduction information.

Since he had the latest VI update,

Lini: I haven’t really done anything else apart from VI this year! So, nothing from me.

Sheldon: Slack ass! Playing golf all year have we?

Lini: Yeah...tough to juggle VI in between my golf and tennis. Imagine how much more VI we can get if I had done it on a full time basis!

RAINY DAYS

2009-11-14T20:53:00.006+08:00

It has been raining oh so much these last few weeks. Enough for me to pour out my frustration on this blog!

Since we had to cancel so many games due to nocturnal rains, I shifted some of my tennis sessions to the mornings. With that strategy, I managed to play a fair amount of tennis (Yeeha!) but the setback is that I didn't get into the office until 9.30 a.m.

My boss had never really imposed working hours on us - he just expected all of us to behave professionally! I took advantage of that fact sometimes but I also traded a lot of times with graveyard shift to accommodate our European or American counterparts. So, all is square, or at least that's what I thought. So, when my boss called me into his office on one of my 9.30 start day, my heart missed a bit!

"Shit!" I uttered loud enough to get a few faces peeking from the cubicle to see what was going on. I walked solemnly to my boss' room in anticipation of a long lecture on work ethics etc etc. I formulated a speech in my head to counter every argument I could think off during that short walk.

"The Client has agreed to pay an additional USD 750k in fee for the result of your strategic effort this year!" he announced. With news like that I expected him to be jumping with joy, give me a hug and tell me I am a hero....but he just remained seated and serious.

I looked at his frown and enquired "What's the catch?"

"The catch is that.....whoever gave you a hard time about marching in at whatever time you desire, tell them to sod off!" and with that he finally broke into a smile and offered me a handshake.

"You got me there, you really got me" I shouted as I sprinted out of his office to break the news to my team. A big bonus is coming despite the rainy days, guys....

TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE

2009-11-09T21:37:00.002+08:00

“Why did we bother with all the distractions we did? Back home, the O.J. Simpson trial was in full swing, and there were people who surrendered their entire lunch hours watching it, then taped the rest so they could watch more at night. They didn’t know O.J. Simpson. They didn’t know anyone in the case. Yet they gave up days and weeks of their lives, addicted to someone else’s drama.”

I shared the above excerpt from Tuesdays with Morrie with Tasha this morning and the first thing she said was “…. but I love watching Kimora Lee Simmons” to which I replied, “I know but the question is, “why do you bother with her life – she doesn’t even know you and worse, you don’t mean anything to her, and yet you spend so much time on her!”

I left her to ponder the “meaning of life question” for my morning tennis session with Coach Din and hurried to work for 9.30 a.m. meeting.

After the meeting, I went through my Things To Do list and asked Sree to send an invite to all interested to join the Mount Kinabalu climb, the date of which has been set in May next year. Within seconds, Sree came to my room to inform me that Franco has accepted the invitation with a message saying “I will come as long as I can still watch E!News.”

Sree looked puzzled but with that message I know Tasha has also been posing some hard questions to her dad this very morning.

IN MODERATION

2009-10-30T16:20:00.002+08:00

Location: Chilli's One Utama

Time: After bowling and before Ice Age 3 on last Friday

"Mom, I love Chilli's. We should come here for dinner everyday, especially, I get to eat for free." Tasha begged.

"No sweety. I know you love the food here but we should always do things in moderation," I reasoned.

"If we have to do things in moderation, why do I have to work so hard for my exam? Shouldn't that (meaning - doing things in moderation) apply to everything?" !?!?!??!?!?

I gave up....

THE Z GEN

2009-10-30T16:19:00.001+08:00

MOM: "Girl, what does the DC in Washington DC stand for?"

TASHA: without hesitation, "dot com"....

MOM: @#$%^&^*()

STATES IN MALAYSIA

2009-10-30T16:16:00.002+08:00

Franco: Tasha, name me all the states in Malaysia.

Tasha: Start counting Papa..
1. Penang
2. Johor
3. Sabah
4. Sarawak
5. Kota Bharu (Papa: Kelantan lah girl...)
6. Tioman
7. Temerloh
8. Ampang

Franco: OK, Stop...Why do you think Tioman is another state?

Tasha: Because we have to take a plane to get there. Like Sabah and Sarawak.

Franco: Tioman is part of Pahang. How you get there is irrelevant. Mom and I had driven to Phuket, it does not make it part of Malaysia. Understand?

Tasha: Yes, dad.

Franco: Temerloh?

Tasha: Because Auntie Sue is from there?!?!?<@

FIRST DAY OF RAMADHAN

2009-10-30T16:14:00.002+08:00

Sahur time @ the dining table of our humble abode:

MOM: Tasha, are you sure you have had enough?

TASHA: Yes mom, I think I will be all right. I just have to make sure I get a lot of sleep today!

And off she went to bed after Subuh while I got ready to go for my Saturday am tennis session with the ladies. At 9.30 a.m. as soon as I got home from tennis:

MOM: Tasha, wake up. You have to go for ballet soon.

TASHA: Thanks mom, I plan to sleep till 10.00 so that I only have to be awake for fasting for 9.5 hours. You have officially prolonged my fasting time by 30 minutes!

FRANCO RENDE

2009-10-30T16:10:00.002+08:00

Guys, Just in case you missed last night's news.....

http://www.themessagegroup.com.au/last-nights-news.php?title=20090914-Franco-Rende_create.html

ENGLISH

2009-10-30T16:07:00.001+08:00

Mom: What did you get for your English exam, girl?

Tasha: 70 out of 80 for comprehension and grammar.

Mom thought that was quite good considering Tasha didn't put any effort at all, but dad thought otherwise.

Papa: Tasha, that's 87.5%. I expect your English to be in the 90s. You speak English all the time - at home, at school and you speak it EXCEPTIONALLY well.

Tasha: Ya lor....